Summary: Examining the famous I AM statements of Jesu

The coming of Jesus Christ is the centre of history. Jesus demonstrated what a trusting relationship with him would be like. In His three years of public ministry Jesus called out “Come, follow me.” The reason for the transformed lives of the twelve men that left all to become his disciples is beautifully summarized by Peter, “Who else could we go to? You alone have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

In the Old Testament the title God used for Himself was “I AM”, God introduced himself to Moses by saying “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14). Jesus often used the same title “I am” to explain His divine identity and purpose. Many of these “I am” statements speak of the benefits laid out for us. This simple phrase also helps us to see His compassion and how we can connect with the God who reaches out to us daily.

“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me.” John 10:14

Jesus knows we need love and friendship in our lives. We all need someone to be involved in our daily life that is able to guide us as a shepherd guides his sheep. Every part of a sheep’s life is important to its shepherd. A true friend may know the worst about us and still remain our friend – Jesus knows the everyday details and decisions of our lives, the difficulties, circumstances and situations that we face. A connection with Him gives us something with far above and beyond our human relationships.

How does it make you feel, when you know that Jesus knows everything about you?

Shepherding involves more than we can imagine. God, our Creator, reaches out to care for His children. Jesus invites us into close relationship with Him. The same love without limit extended to each of us by Him, whoever we are and wherever we are.